Politicians 'have more work left'

He was addressing the Labour Party conference for the first time in his role of Northern Ireland secretary.

With policing and justice powers still to be transferred he urged NI politicians to "complete the path".

"The St Andrews Agreement was clear - this is not an a la carte menu for devolution," he said.

"The second, completing stage is as vital as the first.

"It must be done and it should be done - done because it is the right thing to do.

"Done because what greater proof will there be to those who we ask to invest in the future of the children of Northern Ireland, than local politicians taking their own responsibility for law and order?"

Mr Woodward paid tribute to the work of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, the late Mo Mowlam and his other predecessors as Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson, John Reid, Paul Murphy and Peter Hain in delivering devolution.

He told delegates in Bournemouth that Gordon Brown as Prime Minister was as clear as Tony Blair about the importance of Northern Ireland's politicians completing their task.

In his speech, Mr Brown paid tribute to his predecessor's work particularly in Northern Ireland.

"As the Northern Ireland Assembly meets, thanks also to the work of Tony Blair, let us celebrate that Northern Ireland is now building prosperity because it is now enjoying peace," he said.